Schedule an appointment with Ms. Johnson

Create a college folder to keep all college related documents/materials in one place!

Register early for the SAT/ACT

• Ask for a fee waiver! 

• SAT: www.collegeboard.com

• ACT: www.actstudent.org

Research colleges and make a list (see "College Overview" tab for more information) 

Complete the RDS - you will want to have this done before you submit applications

• See "RDS" tab for more information

Create all college related accounts (make sure to use professional personal email, if you are unsure about what a professional email address looks like, please ask!): 

• Make a CFNC.org account (needed for RDS and College Applications) 

• Make a Common App Account

Consider applying for early action/early decision.

• Begin filling out applications through CFNC or Common App

• Begin preparing applications with October and November deadlines

• Begin writing application essays

Attend an information session! (MORE DETAILS TO COME!!!!)

Begin looking at scholarships (private, local, institutional)

• See "Scholarships" for more information about deadlines.

Ask for letters of recommendation 

• The earlier you ask, the better! 

  • Ask for a GOOD letter of recommendation specifically from a teachers, mentors, or coaches who knows your character, your work ethic and with whom you have a great relationship.

Create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov (for both you and your parent/guardian) 

• See "FAFSA" tab for instructions

Take the SAT and/or ACT if applicable 

• Bring your SAT admission ticket, a photo ID, a calculator, and a snack

• If you need to re-test register for the November SAT

If you haven’t already, begin college applications so you can have them complete by College Application Week (October 21 - 27, during which many of the NC public, private, and community colleges waive their application fee)! 

• Be aware of your application deadlines! They can sneak up on you. 

Participate in FREE COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK (CAW) from October 21-27

• We will have the college fair and various application workshops (TIMES COMING SOON!!!)

Attend one of Ms. Johnson's FAFSA Nights! (DATE(S) COMING SOON!!!)

• Let's be experts by December!

Some schools require CSS Profile 

• Click here for a list of schools that require a CSS Profile (dated for the 2024 - 25 year): CSS Profile Participating Institutions and Programs (collegeboard.org) 

Start applying to scholarships! Free money never hurts. 

• Check the "Scholarships" tab for more information!

Ask a counselor about submitting a transcript to prospective colleges or visit CFNC

Submit applications with November deadlines (again, be mindful of institutions deadlines for admissions AND scholarships) 

Make sure all test scores, transcripts, and supplemental information has been sent in. You can do this by checking the college application portals you used to apply. 

Start preparing for applications due in January

Work on gathering everything you need for FAFSA, fill out and submit your FAFSA (expected to open Dec/Jan)

• See "FAFSA" tab for more information

SCHOLARSHIPS! Never stop looking for scholarships! 

Keep your College Folder up to date!